Kerala’s commitment to cultural legacy
Kerala Honours Classical Art Maestros with 2023 Awards: Kerala has announced its prestigious classical arts awards for 2023, recognising legends in Kathakali, traditional percussion, and classical dance. These awards highlight the state’s continued focus on preserving its rich intangible cultural heritage amid changing times.
Three key awards announced
The awards announced include the State Kathakali Award, the Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram, and the Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram. Each award is conferred by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, functioning under the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Static GK fact: The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi was established in 1958 and plays a pivotal role in promoting performing arts in the state.
Recognising tradition bearers
For 2023, the State Kathakali Award honoured two stalwarts:
- Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri for excellence in playing the Chenda
- Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier for mastery over the Maddalam
These two percussion instruments are integral to the Kathakali tradition, a dance-drama known for its expressive gestures and musical depth.
Percussion maestro honoured
The Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram was awarded to Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar, a celebrated Chenda exponent. Known for his complex rhythmic patterns and contributions to temple arts, he stands as an icon in Kerala’s percussion tradition.
Static GK Tip: The Chenda is a cylindrical percussion instrument and is central to temple festivals and art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam.
Spotlight on Sanskrit theatre
The Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram recognised Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi for her lifetime contribution to Koodiyattam. This 2,000-year-old Sanskrit theatre form is one of the world’s oldest surviving theatrical traditions and was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001.
Objectives of the awards
These awards serve multiple purposes:
- Encourage youth to pursue classical arts
- Preserve and promote Kerala’s unique art forms
- Provide financial support to veteran artists
- Instil cultural pride among the people of Kerala
They also highlight the state’s effort to integrate tradition with modern recognition systems.
Importance for future generations
By rewarding individuals who uphold traditional practices, Kerala ensures a continued legacy. Such state-sponsored recognition strengthens the cultural backbone and ensures the survival of classical arts in contemporary society.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Kerala Honours Classical Art Maestros with 2023 Awards:
Fact | Detail |
Awarding Body | Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi |
Associated Department | Department of Cultural Affairs, Kerala |
Year of Awards | 2023 |
State Kathakali Awardees | Kuroor Vasudevan Namboothiri (Chenda), Kalamandalam Sankara Warrier (Maddalam) |
Pallavur Appu Marar Vadya Puraskaram | Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar |
Keraleeya Nritta-Natya Puraskaram | Kalamandalam P.N. Girijadevi |
Classical Theatre Recognised | Koodiyattam |
UNESCO Recognition | Koodiyattam declared a Masterpiece in 2001 |
Instrument Honoured | Chenda, Maddalam |
Purpose of Awards | Cultural preservation and artist recognition |